POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 18, 2010) -- With five freshman combining for all of the Vassar College women's rugby team's scoring on Sunday, the Brewers accumulated six tries and two conversions to to defeat Siena College 34-7 at the Farm. Those five freshman made up the majority of the seven-player back division, and were led by freshman Laura Howard who scored four tries, just two short of Larkin Sealy's single game record. But the victory was hard won as Siena gave a spirited display and led early in the match.

Vassar College Women 34 v Siena College Women 7
Tries: Laura Howard (4), Julia Nissen (1), & Sarah Fuentes (1).
Cons: Sarah Fuentes (2).

Fifteen minutes into this game the Siena Number 8 broke away down the right wing and scored to give the visitors the lead. Probably every Vassar player must have thought here we go again. The Brewers had started well by driving up field but not scored and now they were down 7-0. Their last 4 games had all begun in that same fashion. The last few weeks have been very hard for the team as the injury list of players has built up and this afternoon only 16 players were suited up for the game. But a huge team effort saw them through and in the end it was a banner day.

Down 7-0 the Vassar forwards responded by winning good ruck ball and often counter-rucking to good effect. Lucy Cantwell was supreme in the lineouts, which was just as well because regular front jumper Amanda Waterhouse, aka Avatar was out with a broken nose! But real inroads were made by the straight running of the back division with subtle offloads. It was no surprise then that Laura Howard went over to make it 7-5 and then Julia Nissen slipped through under the posts and with Sarah Fuentes' conversion Vassar led 12-7.

The 4-man lineout was very effective and Cantwell kept delivering. So the forwards were able get plenty of drive and then quick ball was moved well by number 10 Hannah Bober to the centers, where fullback Emma Backe was quite simply outstanding on the day. She burst on to the ball and was able to run around and through defenders. In addition she caught everything kicked her way and barely put a foot wrong. She has steadily improved this season and today she was a joy to watch.

The beneficiary of all this good ball and passing was to be freshman Laura Howard but she still had to work hard for her tries. She ran with authority and a good change of pace and still found time to put in a few thumping tackles in defense. She scored another 3 tries and in the end Siena must have been dreading her getting the ball. Right at the end she passed to left wing Sarah Fuentes who scored her first Vassar try when Howard might well have gone over for her own 5th try! It summed up the attitude of this team that just plays hard for each other.

This Vassar team was up against it today. Just 16 players available and when Patty Walton had to depart with a knock to the head it was just 15. Every single one of them is deserving of credit for their magnificent effort and while the scorers are singled out let's not forget all the tackles, running, rucking, mauling, and plain heart shown by all.

Team: 15 Emma Backe 14 Celia Castellan 13 Laura Howard 12 Julia Nissen 11 Sarah Fuentes 10 Hannah Bober 9 Jansyn Thaw 1 Patty Walton 2 Kim Beaudoin 3 Ami Major 4 Dana Hart 5 Mackenzie Morris 6 Caitlin Bull 7 Lucy Cantwell 8 Mariko Yoshimura-Rank. Subs: Krissa Wiechmann for Patty Walton.

Overall record 2009-10: 6-8-1.
Next weekend: Saturday April 24, 2010 versus Marist College Women Kickoff 11:30 am